Superintendent UpdateIn this update...
- Student Celebration
- Welcoming New Administrators
- Strategic Plan Update
- Middle School Graduation Date set for Monday, June 1.
- Board Meeting Summaries
8th grade boys place 4th at state
Our 8th grade boys basketball team placed 4th out of 116 teams in the Class 3a state tournament. Congratulations to Coach Kyle Platt and this group of boys on a great season and for doing such an excellent job of representing Highlands at the state level.
Welcoming new administrators
Two fantastic administrators will be joining Highlands for the 2026-27 school year.
Nichole Reiser will be serving as Highlands' Director of Student Support Services. Nicole comes to Highlands with twenty years of experience in education. She spent thirteen years as a school social worker, two years as an assistant principal, and five years as a Special Services Coordinator in Frankfort 157c School District. Nichole has a true passion for supporting and empowering students and a strong track record of partnering with parents and staff.
Rob DuChateau will be serving as Highlands' Director of Technology. Rob has 16 years of experience in school technology and is currently the Senior Systems Administrator in Hinsdale 181 School District. He brings vast technical knowledge to this position and a firm belief in the importance of education and how technology can enhance our students' learning and opportunities.
The reference checks for both of these administrators were nothing but glowing. I have no doubt that both Nichole and Rob have the experience, knowledge, and passion to build upon the great work that is currently happening in our student services and technology departments.
Framework for excellence
(strategic plan) update
We have started gathering input from staff on our strategic plan and will partner with parents in this process in March and April. We are very excited about the progress made thus far and are looking forward to sharing the final plan with you before the end of the school year.
If you are interested in serving as a parent on our strategic plan work, please use the link below.
Jan. 20 & Feb. 17 Board Meeting summaries
The District 106 Board of Education convened for its regularly scheduled meetings on Tuesday, January 20 and Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
The summaries are included below. To access the agendas, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream,s use the links below.
Reports & discussions
Middle School Schedule & Electives Committee Update
- The input from staff and parents has been very valuable. A common theme from all was that the best interests of our students should be the primary driver of these conversations.
- The current A-B schedule presents several challenges, but also provides for a rich learning experience in which students are able to be part of a wide variety of programs and activities.
- There are system-wide changes that could be considered as potential solutions to our current challenges, but these options require an extended period of study and consideration.
- There are adjustments to the current schedule that are being considered for next year. These recommendations will be shared at the March or April Board meeting.
School Fee Proposal
Consistent with CPI, an increase of $5 is recommended for the 2026-27 school fees.
Superintendent Evaluation & Goals
On an annual basis, it is the responsibility of the Board to assess the Superintendent’s performance in the following areas:
- Short and long-term planning and management of the School District’s enrollment growth.
- Review of the School District’s budget, with a focus on proposing alternatives to the Board if actual and projected growth in operating expenses is not sustainable over the long term.
- Effectiveness of the communications between the School District and its stakeholders.
- The working relationship of the Superintendent with the Board, the faculty, the staff, students, and the community.
This evaluation also includes assessing the progress toward the achievement of performance goals, which are aligned with the District’s strategic plan.
- Increase the resilience, personal growth, and academic performance of each student.
- Model core values and promote learning outcomes to produce an empowering, dynamic, and engaging learning environment.
- Implement a system of selection, retention, professional learning and support, ensuring every student has an exemplary teacher.
- Make effective and efficient use of resources to advance the educational success and well-being of our students now and into the future.
- Cultivate partnerships within the community to provide each student with extended learning and service opportunities.
In addition, the evaluation will include goals that are specific to the current year or an active initiative. These include:
- Lead the District through a process of creating a new Strategic Plan.
- Lead the District through a process of evaluating the schedule and elective offerings at the middle school, and if determined to be warranted, recommend changes that will best serve our students and staff.
- Create a comprehensive report of the District’s achievements, initiatives, and financial standing, and other relevant topics to be distributed to parents and the broader Highlands community.
Evidence of meeting these goals will be provided at the end of the year during the period of Board evaluation.
Action items
- The Board adopted a resolution calling on the Cook County Treasurer’s Office to resolve systemic issues regarding tax payment distributions.
- Board Policy language updates were approved.
Consent agenda items
The board approved the minutes of previous meetings, FOIA report, financial business, a personnel report which included a contract with a Director of Technology, a contract with the new Director of Student Support Services, and an amendment to the CSBO’s contract. The board also adopted a resolution to designate the CSBO to prepare the tentative budget.
The middle school graduation date was set to June 1, 2026.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Hello Highlands Families and Staff,
As I'm sure you are aware, the forecast is calling for some frigid temperatures on Friday morning. We are tracking the projections as they develop and will continue to do so throughout the day tomorrow. If it is determined that temperatures are unsafe for students and staff to travel to school, we will use one of our inclement weather days on Friday, January 23rd. If students are not in attendance, it will be an emergency day and not an e-learning day.
I will send an email and text message tomorrow before the end of the school day to let you know whether we will be in attendance on Friday.
Have a great night and stay warm,
John Munch, Superintendent
jan. 20 Board Meeting PreviewBoard meeting preview
The District 106 Board of Education will convene for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 20 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
Reports and discussions
The Superintendent’s Report includes updates on the District's committee work, administrative team, and Superintendent goals and evaluation.
Board Policy updates will be reviewed.
Action items
The Board will adopt a resolution calling on the Cook County Treasurer’s Office to resolve systemic issues regarding tax payment distributions.
Consent Agenda
- Approve the minutes of previous meetings
- Financial business
- Personnel report (including a contract with the new Director of Technology and the amendment to the CSBO’s contract)
- FOIA report
- Adopt a resolution to designate the CSBO to prepare the tentative budget
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Superintendent UpdateHappy Holidays!
I hope you and your family have an fantastic break that is filled with quality family time and making great memories. We look forward to seeing our kids again on January 5.
celebrating our students' success
Family multicultural night
The first annual Family Multicultural Night was an incredible opportunity to learn about the lives and experiences of our families who make up the Highlands community. There were 50 students in 32 families proudly representing 17 countries. Hundreds of families attended and listened to stories, created art, learned about other cultures, and tasted many new and delicious global flavors.
The rich diversity of the Highlands community is one of its strengths; this event was an amazing way to learn about, celebrate, and embrace that diversity.
Administrator update
Amy Laskowski, Highlands’ Director of Student Support Services for the past 12 years, has accepted a new career opportunity. Amy’s leadership and dedication to inclusive practices have been outstanding, and will continue to shape the way we teach, support, and care for students. We are committed to building upon the strong foundation she established. Hiring a Director of Student Services who shares our values of inclusion and student success will be a top priority in the months ahead.
Under Amy’s leadership, Highlands has become a model for inclusive learning, where students of all abilities are welcomed, supported, and recognized as essential members of our school community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Amy, and look forward to continuing the great work she started.
Framework for excellence
(strategic plan) reminder
The Framework for Excellence (Strategic Planning) Committee will gather input on the six common commitments that are part of our Framework for Excellence. This work is part of a system-wide refresh of our current Strategic Plan and will guide our work for several years to come.
If you or a community member you know would like to be part of this important work, please use the link below to submit your interest.
- Meetings 1&2: D106 Administrators & Staff - February 19 & March 5 from 3:30-5:00.
- Meetings 3&4: D106 Administrators, Parents, & Community Members - March 11 & April 15 from 5:30-7:00.
2026-27 School calendar
December 16 Board Meeting summary
The District 106 Board of Education convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
reports and discussions
Superintendent's Report
The Superintendent's Report included information on the delinquent Cook County Payments that have not yet been received by the District.
- While Cook County has collected the taxes, they have not yet determined dates for the distribution of taxes that the District should have received months ago.
- Due to the Board's commitment to maintain appropriately healthy fund balances, D106 has enough money in reserves to continue meeting all it's financial obligations for a few more months while we wait for payment from Cook County.
- We are currently involved in advocacy efforts with other local public bodies to get this matter resolved as soon as possible.
Superintendent Committee Updates
INSURANCE COMMITTEE- Meetings were held on December 3 and 17 to discuss recent and projected increases in the cost of insurance as well as potential strategies to reduce costs.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULE AND ELECTIVES COMMITTEE- Meetings were held on December 1 and 17 to establish common understandings, discuss the benefits and challenges of our current schedule, and explore potential changes to our middle school schedule and course offerings that may benefit our students and staff.
Action items
The Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2025 Final Tax Levy, a resolution to reduce certain fund levies, and the 2026-27 Final School Calendar.
Consent agenda items
The Board approved the minutes of previous meetings, financial business, personnel report, FOIA report, and the destruction of previous closed session audio recordings.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Dec. 16 Board Meeting PreviewBoard meeting preview
The District 106 Board of Education will convene for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 16 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
Celebrations
The board will recognize our students' fantastic accomplishments by honoring the Local VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest winner, Holiday Card Design Challenge winner, and ILMEA Honors Musicians.
Reports and discussions
The Superintendent’s Report includes updates on the first annual Multicultural Night, 2026-27 Calendar, and Cook County tax payment schedule.
Updates will be provided on our Framework for Excellence and Committee Work.
The Fiscal Year 2025 Final Tax Levy will be presented.
Action items
- Adopt the Fiscal Year 2025 Final Tax Levy
- Adopt a resolution to reduce certain fund levies
- Approve the 2026-27 Final School Calendar
Consent Agenda
Approve the minutes of previous meetings, financial business, personnel report, FOIA report, and the destruction of previous closed session audio recordings.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Your voice is important to our success
Framework for excellence
(strategic planning) committee
The Framework for Excellence (Strategic Planning) Committee will gather input on the six common commitments that are part of our Framework for Excellence. This work is part of a system-wide refresh of our current Strategic Plan and will guide our work for several years to come.
- Committee Members: Administration desires to have at least one representative from each grade level, content area, and specialist group. However, all staff who would like to be part of the conversation are welcome. Twenty parent and four community member representatives will be chosen to represent our various student groups.
- Meetings 1&2: D106 Administrators & Staff - February 19 & March 5 from 3:30-5:00.
- Meetings 3&4: D106 Administrators, Parents, & Community Members - March 11 & April 15 from 5:30-7:00.
Middle school scheduling
& electives committee
The Middle School Schedule and Electives Committee will review the relationships between the middle school schedule, elective and extracurricular opportunities, class sizes, and intervention offerings. We will also evaluate the most effective and efficient way to provide our students with the many resources and opportunities our middle school has to offer. (This committee is open to D106 staff and current D106 parents.)
- Committee Members: D106 Administration, Band/Orchestra/Choir Teachers, 8th Grade Team Rep, Performance Team Rep, Student Services Team Rep, Parent Advisory Committee Representatives, 3 Parents of students in Band/Orchestra/Choir
- Meeting 1: D106 Admin & Staff - December 1, 3:30-5:00
- Meeting 2: D106 Admin & Parents - December 17, 5:30-7:00
- Meeting 3: D106 Admin & Staff - January 12, 3:30-5:00
insurance review committee
- Committee Members: John Munch, Katie Hannigan, Andrea Rodriguez (D106 benefits specialist), Finance Advisory Committee Member, Board of Education Member, 3 Highlands Association of Teachers Members
- Meeting Dates: 3:30-5:00 on December 3, 17; January 14, 28; February 11
We look forward to engaging with you in this important work. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
John Munch, Superintendent
Superintendent UpdateHighlands earns fantastic state assessment scores
Yesterday, the Illinois State Board of Education released the 2024-25 Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) Scores. A few highlights of Highlands' performance are summarized below.
Highlands' percentage of students meeting proficiency was the highest of the ten comparable districts in both reading and math!
Highlands' student growth percentage was better than the average of our comparable peers, and ranked 5th out of the 10 districts.
Highlands' School Report Card Composite Score was second highest of our 10 comparable districts.
An in-depth analysis of our schools' performance as compared to local and comparable districts will be presented at the November Board meeting. This conversation will include opportunities for further growth that we identified within the data.
These fantastic scores are truly the result of a system-wide effort to be the best we can be for our students. Thanks for your partnership in making Highlands a great place!
October 21 Board Meeting summary
The District 106 Board of Education convened for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 21 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Commons.
A summary is included below. To access the agenda, review the documents submitted to the Board, or access the meeting live stream, use the links below.
reports and discussions
The Superintendent’s Report included information on the District's plan for student assessment this year which included the following highlights.
- Our new i-Ready Math program features an adaptive diagnostic assessment administered three times per year. These assessments:
- Help teachers identify each student’s strengths and areas for growth.
- Allow for personalized instruction and ongoing progress monitoring.
- Provide precise data to inform targeted, individualized support.
- Add to an already full lineup of student assessments.
- We conducted a review of all K-8 student assessments, which resulted in several adjustments to our 2025–2026 testing framework. The following changes were made:
- Instead of using the MAP assessment for math, we will use the i-Ready benchmark assessment three times per year.
- The i-Ready Reading benchmark will be piloted with targeted classrooms to determine whether it is a better fit and more meaningful than MAP. During this trial period, students will still complete the MAP Reading assessment in the spring.
A second review of revised Board policies was presented. The primary changes in these policies were based on returning to the use of the 2020 Title IX Regulations.
An update on our Framework for Excellence was presented. Recent progress included:
- Analyzing the results from a parent survey sent to staff and parents. Several clear themes about what makes Highlands great were present and were woven into the framework.
- An initial draft of the Framework includes the following six tenets.
- Foster a culture where kindness, respect, perseverance, and growth are exemplified
- Be a student-focused staff that is intentional about building positive and caring relationships
- Strengthen organizational health through clarity and cohesion
- Equip students to achieve high levels of growth and academic achievement
- Teach and model social, emotional, and personal skills needed for success
- Support the Framework for Excellence through the strategic use of money, time, and talent
Action items
The Board adopted recommended policies that establish a threshold for capitalizing assets and defines the procedure for handling outstanding checks.
Consent agenda items
The Board approved the minutes of previous meetings, financial business, personnel report, FOIA report, destruction of certain closed session audio recordings, and a revised salary and benefits report.
It's a pleasure to serve the students, staff, and families of Highlands.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
Tomorrow (Friday, October 24) is a designated day in Illinois to recognize principals for the incredibly important role they play in the education of our students.
We are so grateful for all the ways Laura Magruder, Megan VerVynck, and Stetson Steele contribute to making our schools so amazing. Their tireless efforts and genuine care for their students are always evident and so appreciated.
If you see Laura, Megan, or Stetson tomorrow during student arrival or dismissal, please give them a honk, wave, or shout to let them know how much they are appreciated.
Take care,
John Munch, Superintendent
registration for the 2025-26 school year and 2025 summer school is now open.
registration for early childhood education
NEW ECE STUDENTS for the 2025-26 school year will receive communication in May to begin the registration process.
RETURNING ECE STUDENTS should use the link below to register for the 2025-26 school year or the ECE Summer Camp.
Returning ECE student super long registration LInk
D106 offers a limited number of tuition-based seats in our ECE program. For more information, use the link below.
tuition-based program information
registration for students entering kindergarten
Kindergarten registration will take place by appointment from March 21 to April 11. Use the link below to make your appointment.
kindergarten registration appointment
registration for students entering grades 1-8
Registration will be open from March 21-April 6. Use the link below to register for the 2025-26 school year and 2025 Summer School Camps. Please note that Summer School Camps are only available to students who are currently in kindergarten through 7th grade.
Payment is due immediately for Summer School and by August 19 for the remainder of the registration fees. Credit card, check, or cash payments are accepted.
grades 1-8 and summer school registration
questions?
If you have questions about Summer School, please contact Ali Beiermeister at abeiermeister@district106.net or 708-485-3054. If you have any other registration questions, don't hesitate to contact the appropriate school office.
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